Karachi — A two-day oral health smile programme for special athletes was held at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) here recently under the aegis of Special Olympics Pakistan.Over 18 dentists from different specialties were trained as special smile volunteers, besides 72 special athletes from two schools were screened for dental problems during the two-day oral health smile programme.
Moreover, the oral hygiene instructions were given to them for improving their hygiene status. The gift bags were also distributed among the special athletes on the occasion.The AIDM's Orthodontic department's Associate Professor, Dr Hasnian Sakrani, who was the local Clinical Director for the event, also conducted trainer programme.Prominent orthodontist, Dr Syed Shah Faisal, who is also Pakistan Dental Association's Sindh Chapter's general secretary, provided treatment to the needy special children. Dr Hasnian Sakrani and Dr Saima Azam had earlier attended Train the Trainer Program held in Mumbai in June 2012 to become local clinical directors. Highlighting the aims and objectives of Special Olympics Pakistan, the Special Olypics Pakistan's general secretary Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, said that the SOP's mission was to provide round-the-year sports training and arrange athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, besides providing them opportunities to develop physical fitness so as to make them useful citizens of the country. The event was followed by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Special Olympics Pakistan and the Altamash Institute for further cooperation. Dr Shaheena Altamash signed the MoU on behalf of AIDM while Ms Ronak Iqbal signed the document on behalf of the SOP.
